Most runners linked to complete a marathon: world record set by MitoCanada (VIDEO) CALGARY, Canada -- A total of 112 linked runners (sponsored byMitoCanada) crossed the finish line together at the Calgary Marathon after they completed 42.2K in 6:24:56, setting the new World Record for the "most runners linked to complete a marathon," according to theWorld Record Academy.Photo: A total of 112 linked runners crossed the finish line together at the Calgary Marathon, breaking the Guinness World Record for the "most runners linked to complete a marathon." Photo:Gord MacPherson.(enlarge photo)The Guinness World Records world record for the most runners to complete a marathon whilst linked together is 73 and was achieved by the CaBa's CaBaNauTeN (Germany) at the iWelt Marathon in Würzburg, Germany on 20 May 2012.

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the fastest marathon by a marching band; it is 6 hr 56 min 48 sec and was achieved by the Huddersfield Marathon Band (UK) at the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon in London, UK, on 13 April 2014. A total of 112 linked runners, sponsored by MitoCanada, crossed the finish line together at the Calgary Marathon, breaking the Guinness World Record for the "most runners linked to complete a marathon."

Tethered, 112 runners completed 42.2K in 6:24:56.

"There were ups and downs, and a few points where it could not have happened," Blaine Penny, ambassador for MitoCanada (the charity that backed the attempt), told Runner's World by phone.

"But when they crossed the finish line, I was so relieved. I felt such a sense of responsibility for their success or failure—like a parent with 112 kids."

The group had three pre-planned bathroom breaks on course to accommodate the more-than-100 runners. Team Mito's runners ranged in age from 15 to 80. All team members were linked together with surgical tubing.